Applied Ethics

Framing ethical perspectives

Applied ethics refers to the practical applications of the moral principles that govern behavior. Carnegie Council focuses on this field, mostly through the realm of international affairs, by identifying and addressing the most critical ethical issues of today and tomorrow. Our initiatives, content, and experts analyze the way that governments, institutions, and individuals interact and make choices on global issues, such as climate change, emerging technology, and governance.

Featured Applied Ethics Resources

Practical conversations, decision analysis, and more

JUL 5, 2023 Article

A Framework for the International Governance of AI

Carnegie Council, in collaboration with IEEE, proposes a five-part AI governance framework to enable the constructive use of AI.

APR 12, 2022 Podcast

Surveillance Tech's Infinite Loop of Harms, with Chris Gilliard

In this discussion with Senior Fellow Arthur Holland Michel, Chris Gilliard explains why the arc of surveillance technology and novel AI bends toward failures that ...

Explore Our Applied Ethics Resources

JUL 2, 2007 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Chinese Sexual Culture

Devin Stewart interviews sociologist James Farrer about a recent conference in Beijing on sexuality and implications for human rights and civil society in China.

JUN 27, 2007 Article

ROUNDTABLE: Blair's Ethical Legacy

"To view Blair through Iraq alone is to ignore his extraordinary legacy in the areas of liberal interventionism, international development and climate change," says Roberts, ...

MAY 18, 2007 Article

U.S. Should Not Waver on U.K. Visa Policy

In the interests of security, should the U.S. end the visa waiver for British Muslims? The cost is far too high, says Frank Spring, ...

APR 26, 2007 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Estados Unidos Debe Redefinir el Comercio Justo

Devin Stewart establece un esquema que reconcilia la libertad y la justicia para crear una politica comercial mas etica. En el ejercicio de alcanzar el ...

MAR 22, 2007 Transcript

Taking Stock of Business and Human Rights: Policies and Practices

Christine Bader, Joanne Bauer, and David Schilling discuss corporate social responsibility.

FEB 12, 2007 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Fairness as Antidote to Religious Fundamentalism

National development strategies are insufficient for overcoming the problems in poor countries. Cooperation at the regional and world level is needed to solve the problems ...

FEB 6, 2007 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Briefings: Wiki Influence

This story reminds us that a community like Wikipedia's editors is vulnerable to manipulation by commercial interests—and that information is power.

Aristotle. Public domain via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aristotle_Altemps_Inv8575.jpg">Wikipedia</a>

JAN 29, 2007 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: United States Must Redefine "Fair Trade"

Devin Stewart argues that it is in the enlightened self-interest of the United States, as the greatest beneficiary of globalization, to foster freedom and fairness ...

CREDIT: Confucius, courtesy of <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page" target=_blank>Project Gutenberg</a>.

DEC 21, 2006 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: The China Factor in African Ethics

Many African governments perceive China as a welcome counterpoint to the United States and the West in general, especially when the latter criticizes African human ...

DEC 18, 2006 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Briefings: South Africa Takes Leading Role on Same-sex Marriage Rights

South Africa recently legalized same-sex marriage in a move demonstrating further progress from a past fraught with inequality and discrimination. South Africa is the first ...